09-28-12 Vol. 34 No. 8

THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 34, NO. 8 | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Mabel Gast, right, joins an unidentified wagoner as she reenacts the role of Bertha Vollmer, who helped haul in the first load of rocks for the construction of Sacred Heart Church in Emporia. The horses and wagon led a procession on Sept. 16 to the church, where Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed and rededicated the 100-year-old building.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY ELAINA COCHRAN

LADIES FIRST EMPORIA’S SACRED HEART CELEBRATES WITH TRIBUTE TO PARISHIONERS’ DRIVE

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

E

MPORIA — Mabel Gast doesn’t make a habit of wearing a long flowery dress with an apron and matching bonnet — but she happily made an exception for a day.

Dressed perfectly for the part, the Sacred Heart Church parishioner stepped back in time to help recreate a scene from 1911 Emporia, the year two women took the reins and gave a big push to stalling progress on their new church building.

Thanks to those early parishioners Bertha Vollmer and Clara Streator — and many others — Sacred Heart recently marked the 100th anniversary of its church building, which is still in use today.

On Sept. 16, a centennial celebration recreated the day Vollmer and Streator ventured out by horse and wagon to haul

the first heavy rocks to the construction site.

“The women were very determined people,” said Gast, who played Vollmer’s character in a reenactment.

Established in 1874, Sacred Heart was thriving in 1910 when the parish cemented plans to build the new church, and parishioners were expected to do their part.

Getting it designed and contracted turned out to be the easy steps. Parishioner Henry W. Brinkman, who designed

3 ALL NEW

Theleaven.com reveals a sleek new look and a special upcoming video feature.

ANGELS AMONG US

The Catholic Education Foundation announces this year’s “Angels Among Us” honorees.

>> See “CENTENNIAL” on page 6

8 MARRIAGE FOR KEEPS

Program gives couples the tools to tune up their marriage.

5 MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Learn when Archbishop Naumann or Abbot Barnabas Senecal will confirm at your parish.

2 ARCHBISHOP

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Catholic women stand by faith in letter to president

T

he killing of our ambassador and three other Americans in Libya as well as the attacks on the American embassy in Cairo on Sept. 11 have renewed anxieties regarding the threats posed to world peace by terrorists.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

and his administration have no problem accusing those who oppose their policies as “waging a war on women.”

Such rhetoric is not only inflammatory and insensitive, but it is simply untrue. The president has actually turned I encourage every member the truth on its head. When of the Archdiocese, personally one speaks about “waging a as well as our parishes, to inwar,” this normally implies an tensify our prayers for peace. act of aggression. In reality, We need to pray for wisdom those opposing the HHS manfor our president and all who dates are not trying to change assist him with the foreign the status quo; we are simply policy for our nation. attempting to maintain it.

President Obama has The president and his adminshown extreme sensitivity istration are the aggressors. and caution in the vocabulary The HHS mandates not only used by his administration attempt to make contracepin discussing outbursts of tion, abortifacient drugs, and anti-American violence in the sterilizaMiddle tions free, East. His RELIGIOUS LIBERTY NOVENA but they admincoerce the istration EWTN will be airing a novena Catholic rarely uses Mass every morning at 7 a.m. from Church the word Sept. 29 to Oct. 7. Bishops from and others “terrorism” across the country will lead a novena with conand he to the Mother of God for the nation. scientious has all but Archbishop Naumann will celebrate objections banned the the Mass Oct. 1. to pay for term “War and proon Terrorvide what we consider morally ism.” offensive. If there is a war beUnfortunately, the presiing waged, it is the president dent and his administration and his administration’s war have not manifested the same against freedom of religion sensitivity and verbal restraint and conscience rights. with those who oppose the If this matter were not so Health and Human Services serious, the ironies involved mandates coercing church would be comical. Those who institutions as well as private have shrouded their advocacy employers to include in sofor legalized abortion in the called “preventive health care” rhetoric of choice, now want procedures (e.g., abortionto coerce religious institutions inducing drugs, contraceptives and individuals to become and sterilizations) that concomplicit in providing abortradict deeply held religious tion and contraception. It is convictions. President Obama

not enough that contraception is readily available, inexpensive, and — through hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding — “free” for the poor; the president and Secretary Sebelius want to force Catholic charities, Catholic colleges, Catholic hospitals, Catholicowned businesses, etc., to provide it.

The president has promised to accommodate the concerns of religious groups, but what has been proposed thus far by the administration are changes in bookkeeping, but not of substance. The president urges everyone to be patient, but the mandates are already going into effect for private businesses. If the administration truly wanted to solve this problem, it is not difficult. All the administration needs to do is adopt the legislative language that has been used for decades to protect religious liberty and conscience rights.

Whatever one may think about the morality of contraception, it is not preventive health care. Fertility is not a disease; it is a healthy condition. Suppressing a woman’s fertility is a lifestyle choice that often fosters behaviors that actually create health risks for women.

Fortunately, the inflammatory language of the administration has provoked thousands of women who resent the president presuming to speak for them. I encourage you to visit the website at: womenspeakforthemselves. com. So far, almost 35,000 women have signed the Open Letter to President Obama, Secretary Sebelius, and Members of Congress, which in part states: “Those currently invoking women’s health in an attempt to shout down anyone who disagrees with forcing religious institutions or individuals to violate deeply held beliefs are more than a little mistaken, and more than a

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little dishonest. Even setting aside their simplistic equation of costless birth control with equality, note that they have never responded to the large body of scholarly research indicating that many forms of contraception have serious side effects, or that some forms act at some times to destroy embryos, or that government contraceptive programs inevitably change the sex, dating and marriage markets in ways that lead to more empty sex, more nonmarital births and more abortions. It is women who suffer disproportionately when these things happen.

“No one speaks for all women on these issues. Those who purport to do so are simply attempting to deflect attention from the serious religious liberty issues currently at stake. Each of us, Catholic or not, is proud to stand with the Catholic Church and its rich, life-affirming teachings on sex, marriage and family life.

We call on President Obama and our representatives in Congress to allow religious institutions and individuals to continue to witness to their faiths in all their fullness.”

President Obama’s actions contradict his words about respecting religious freedom and conscience rights. The administration has had plenty of time to fix the HHS mandates if it wanted to do so. It is my opinion that the president will only correct his administration’s attack on religious liberty if he is convinced that it is politically to his advantage to do so. Please write or email President Obama and Secretary Sebelius and ask them to cease using the inflammatory and dishonest language that declares a “phony war on women.” Tell the president and Secretary Sebelius that you are tired of empty promises.

Request real actions that will protect religious freedom and conscience rights!

CALENDARS ARCHBISHOP

NAUMANN Sept. 28 Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas fundraiser for Snow Ball Sept. 29 Confirmation — St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community Sept. 30 Installation of Father Tom Aduri — Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka Oct. 1 EWTN Mass — Birmingham, Ala. Vespers and dinner with Pastoral Council — Savior Pastoral Center Oct. 2 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Oct. 3 Marian Mantle Group meeting Oct. 4-5 Province meeting — Wichita Oct. 5-6 Jesus Caritas bishops’ prayer group — Wichita Oct. 6 Sisters, Servants of Mary benefit dinner

ARCHBISHOP

KELEHER Sept. 27 Teach class — Mundelein Seminary, Chicago Oct. 4 Teach class — Mundelein Seminary, Chicago Oct. 6 Wedding

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | THELEAVEN.COM

Catholic Education Foundation honors Angels Among Us THIS YEAR’S CEF HONOREES ARE THE PAST AND PRESENT LEADERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On a recent visit to Christ the King School here, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann told students he once dreamed of being a professional baseball player.

But then God called him to a much greater purpose.

When asked, “What made you want to be closer to God?” the archbishop told students about his family and church community, and how they provided the Catholic education and support he needed to answer God’s call.

Indeed, Archbishop Naumann’s own experience is at the core of his desire for every child in this archdiocese to have access to a Catholic education.

That’s why the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is dear to his heart.

“Archbishop Naumann is on our board of directors,” said CEF director of development Patty Morrisey. “He comes to every meeting.

“He is just totally supportive of everything we’re doing. We couldn’t do it without his help and his encouragement.”

Each year, CEF awards nearly $750,000 in scholarships to families who otherwise would be unable to afford the tuition of a Catholic school.

Much of the funding for scholarships is raised at CEF’s annual Gaudeamus dinner, which will be held Oct. 20 (see sidebar).

Gaudeamus is also an opportunity for CEF to recognize the “Angels Among Us” who have helped support Catholic education over the years.

This year’s event will recognize archbishops and bishops, past and present.

“I don’t think anyone ever gives them enough credit for all their support, encouragement and enthusiasm,” said Morrisey. “I think people kind of take it for granted.

“But we don’t. So we’re trying to tell them thank you.”

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher knows well the responsibility an archbishop has in finding necessary resources to keep the archdiocese’s large school system working effectively and truly handing on the faith to the next generation.

“It is the archbishop who must make the final decision on whether to build more schools or combine them,” he said.

“When all else fails, he must make the very difficult [decision] to close schools.”

The archbishop is constantly conferring with the office of education and many other boards and individuals who assist him in making the determination.

“However,” said Archbishop Keleher, “the truth is that, in the final analysis, it is the archbishop who must say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”

Superintendent Kathy O’Hara praised the men who have made those tough decisions throughout the history of the archdiocese.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Archbishop Joseph Naumann answers questions from kindergartners and first-graders at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan. This year’s Catholic Education Foundation “Angels Among Us” are the past and present bishops and archbishops who have led the archdiocese.

“We have been so blessed in this archdiocese to have a history of such strong support for Catholic education from all of our bishops,” she said.

Archbishop Keleher agreed.

“I am blessed to have been given for some years a beautiful Catholic education system that my predecessors put in place,” he said. “I did what I could to continue it and the resources where available.”

Morrisey recalled Archbishop Keleher as a critical influence in starting CEF back in 1997.

“His vision has brought it to where we are today,” she said.

The archbishop emeritus will come back for a few days from his teaching post at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago to attend the Gaudeamus event.

“I want to thank those who made our Catholic education system flourish during those years I was at the helm, and to show my support for Archbishop Naumann, who is determined to continue its development, despite the increasing financial challenges he faces,” he said.

Archbishop Naumann will be accepting the “Angels Among Us” honor for himself and all his predecessors.

O’Hara praised those predecessors for their efforts in striving for excellence in Catholic education and the current archbishop’s commitment to carry on that legacy.

“Archbishop Naumann has continued with even greater resolve the message that Catholic schools are one of the best ways the church has to pass on the faith and lead children, and in some cases, families, to be closer to Jesus Christ.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

“It is inspiring for those of us who serve in Catholic schools when we know our archbishops are so committed to the ministry.”

Archbishop Keleher won’t regret his decision to return for the event. This year’s Gaudeamus is on target to be another outstanding celebration.

By popular demand, the Mater Dei drum line is returning to lead guests to and from the ballroom, and the Curé of Ars grade-school choir will also be performing.

Channel 41 Action News will be on hand to interview guests during the cocktail hour, and post interviews on the big screen during dinner.

And throughout the evening, guests will have opportunities to show their support for CEF. “We’ve got our sponsor-a-child opportunity happening again this year,” said Morrisey. “The same donor family is offering a challenge match of $175,000.”

The 2012 School of Excellence award will also be presented that night. This year, the winner is St. Matthew School in Topeka, with Sacred Heart in Emporia as the runner-up.

The evening will end with the traditional after-dinner social hour when guests will have an opportunity to mingle and perhaps find out a little bit more about Archbishop Naumann’s youthful aspiration for a sports career.

The goal this year is 1,200 in attendance, with organizers predicting more.

Tickets are selling fast, but there’s still time be part of the celebration and help make Catholic education available to every child.

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator adv@theleaven.com

GAUDEAMUS: LET US REJOICE The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) will be celebrating its 15th anniversary at its annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 20 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Archbishops and bishops, past and present, will be honored with the “Angels Among Us” award, and St. Matthew School, Topeka, will be recognized as the 2012 School of Excellence.

Tickets for the event are still available. Contact Patty Morrisey, via email, at: pmorrisey@archkck.org, or call (913) 647-0344.

The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so their children can attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation.

To learn more about CEF or this year’s Gaudeamus dinner, visit the website at: www.cefks.org.

“I hope the generosity that I have always found in the folks of northeast Kansas will keep Catholic education here not only alive and well, but a powerful force in the spiritual and intellectual formation of our young people,” said Archbishop Keleher.

“If we fail to pass our faith on from this generation to the next,” he added, “we fail in our most important mission as church.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

The St. Francis you never knew

AUTHOR GOES BEHIND THE MYTHS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI TO FIND THE MAN

The church celebrates the feast day of St. Francis on Oct. 4.

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker Special to The Leaven

T

he image we have of St. Francis as the happy, holy troubadour of God from the Franco Zeffirelli movie “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” isn’t quite true to the historical Francis, said Father Augustine Thompson, OP, Ph.D., author of a new and acclaimed biography called “Francis of Assisi” (Cornell University Press, 2012).

Over the years, the stories about Francis have made him seem perfect, said Father Augustine.

People “put things into his “Francis of Assisi” mouth — things he never said — and they (Cornell University have become convenPress, 2012)

By Father Augustine tional wisdom.

Thompson, OP “If you filter those out,” he continued, “you see he goes through dark nights of the soul, when he was feeling inadequate. [He is] not the birdbath saint.”

Father Augustine spent several years researching the historical Francis.

“For the first time in 25 years as a practicing historian, I got to do what historians always dream of doing: Be a detective. Especially for medievalists, it’s very rare you have a bunch of evidence like a detective has and you get to put together what lies behind the evidence.

“I had a pile of carefully prepared evidence so I could sit down and try and figure out what I thought happened,” he said. “It was really like being Agatha Christie.”

In his work, Father Augustine uncovered several little-known facts, as well as numerous misconceptions, about Francis. Some of these include: 1. Francis’ father wasn’t a wicked, hateful man.

Pietro de Bernardone, his wife Pica and their other son, Angelo, weren’t villains. Thompson explains that in the earliest accounts of their relationship, the family didn’t realize they had a saint

CNS PHOTO/OCTAVIO DURAN

A fresco by Giotto depicts Pope Innocent III giving approval to the first Franciscan rule and blessing St. Francis and his followers during their visit to Rome in 1209-1210. A new book by Father Augustine Thompson, OP, Ph.D., reveals the man behind the birdbath saint. in their midst and were confused and hurt by his actions. Originally, his father is presented as someone who suffered because he didn’t understand his son.

However, shortly after Francis’ death, the relationship was rewritten so that his father became a totally evil moneygrubber, probably to highlight Francis’ radical decisions.

2. Francis’ great conversion didn’t happen when he stripped naked and renounced his family fortune.

The iconic scene with the bishop had more to do with inheritance law than with holiness, said Father Augustine. It was working among lepers in a leprosarium on the outskirts of Assisi, he said, that “would always be for Francis the core of his religious experience.”

Francis’ “experience with the lepers had nothing to do with choices between wealth and poverty, knightly pride and humility, or even doing service instead

of conducting business. It was a dramatic personal orientation that brought forth spiritual fruit.”

3. He probably suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Francis tried his hand at being a soldier when, at age 20, he was part of a military expedition against a neighboring state. He was taken prisoner and spent a year as a captive. The experiences on the battlefield seemed to have marked him for the rest of his life.

“He was a very fragile psyche,” said Father Augustine, “who carried with him a lot of demons.

“He struggled with the horrors of the battles. It looks like post-traumatic stress disorder, and [while I] don’t like doing psychology on someone who lived 800 years ago, he was clearly traumatized by his time in the service.”

4. Francis was not a rebel against the institutional church.

“The one thing people need to remember is Francis was a devout, committed 13th-century Catholic,” said Father Augustine. “If you read modern spiritual writers on Francis, he is always a model for confronting hypocrisy in institutions.

My answer to that is a sigh. [The image of] Francis at war with the institutional church is . . . completely anachronistic.”

5. Many of the stories we associate with Francis are legends.

Tales such as the wolf of Gubbio and the talking crucifix were added by early hagiographers, said Father Augustine.

“What a hagiographer does is remodel the story to give a theological message,” he explained. “The job of the hagiographer is not to tell a history. They are to tell you the religious meaning of the person. . . . One of the things they do is tell us that this person is a saint, so they conform the person to the canons of what an age thinks a saint should be like.”

6. Francis didn’t write the “Peace Prayer of St. Francis.”

“I have often been astonished at how unhappy students can be when they encounter a different Francis from the one they expect. Oddly enough, the most painful moment usually comes when they discover that St. Francis did not write the ‘Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.’

“The ‘Peace Prayer’ is modern and anonymous, originally written in French, and dates to about 1912, when it was published in a minor French spiritual magazine, La Clochette,” said Father Augustine.

So after the stories and misconceptions have been stripped away, what is left of Francis for us today?

The essential and radical love of God that Francis embodies.

“When Francis is confronted with unexpected things, he reconciles himself to them and moves forward,” said Father Augustine, “spontaneously seeking to do God’s will.”

It is “his willingness to follow wherever God leads him, even when it’s not something he expected, that kind of spontaneous seeking to do God’s will,” that is the theme of his life.

“It’s a beautiful theme,” concluded Father Augustine.

LOCAL NEWS 5

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | THELEAVEN.COM

Mass of Innocents

FALL CONFIRMATIONS

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Sept. 29 9:30 a.m. — St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community at Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kan.

The archdiocese hosted its annual Mass of Innocents on Sept. 16 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The Mass is for all who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, other before-birth losses or early childhood death. At right, Erin Duvall, a member of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., holds her daughter Riley, 3, while inscribing the name of the baby she lost in the Remembrance book. Below, Rebecca Dixon, a member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, cuddles her son Hunter at the Mass.

Oct. 8 7 p.m. — St. Joseph, Olpe, and St. Mary, Hartford Oct. 15 7 p.m. — St. Patrick, Osage City, and St. Patrick, Scranton Oct. 24 7 p.m. — St. Dominic, Holton, and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta LEAVEN PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

Oct. 30 7 p.m. — Sacred Heart, Ottawa Nov. 5 7 p.m. — St. Benedict, Bendena; St. Charles, Troy; and St. Joseph, Wathena

ABBOT BARNABAS SENECAL, OSB Sept. 30 3 p.m. — Holy Trinity, Paola Oct. 7 2 p.m. — Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls; St. Joseph, Nortonville; and Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek Oct. 23 7 p.m. — St. Aloysius, Meriden Oct. 28 2 p.m. — Immaculate Conception, Louisburg

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Join archdiocesan liturgist and St. John the Evangelist catechist Michael Podrebarac as he explores in half-hour lessons the mystery of our Michael Podrebarac Catholic faith. Join Michael weekly at: www.theleaven.com.

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John F. and Marigene Suellentrop, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a family dinner in Olathe on Sept. 29. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church in Norborne, Mo., on Sept. 29, 1947. Their children and their spouses are: Ann Suellentrop; Tom and Mary Suellentrop; Dan Suellentrop (deceased); Jeanne and BJ Boucek; Jim Suellentrop; Rose and Curt Timmerman; and Nell and Michael Lucas. They also have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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7ddekdY[c[dji ckij X[ jof[Z$ Include the following Information: j^[ Yekfb[Éi dWc[i j^[_h fWh_i^ j^[ ZWj[ j^[o m[h[ cWhh_[Z Y^khY^ WdZ Y_jo m^[h[ j^[o m[h[ cWhh_[Z m^Wj j^[o Wh[ Ze_d] je Y[b[XhWj[ ZWj[ e\ j^[ Y[b[XhWj_ed dWc[i e\ Y^_bZh[d _\ Z[i_h[Z dkcX[h e\ ]hWdZY^_bZh[d WdZ ]h[Wj#]hWdZY^_bdren Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Centennial celebration included entire town >> Continued from page 1 several churches in the archdiocese, crafted beautiful plans.

However, the heavy lifting needed to move the limestone rocks from the quarry a few miles outside of town left the project stuck in the mud until the women of the parish got things rolling.

November 8 – 10, 2012 St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church 5814 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Missouri

‘The rocks started coming in’ Instead of paying someone to handle the job, the pastor hoped the men of the parish would hitch up their wagons and help with the hauling.

Then-pastor Father Berthold Stauback, a Franciscan priest, implored them to help, but his pleas fell on already busy ears in the rural community.

“He was begging them week after week, apparently, but everyone was so busy no one had time to do it,” said current Sacred Heart pastor Father Rich Warsnak.

“So it was two women of the parish, actually, who got tired of hearing the message again and again and took it upon themselves,” he continued.

Vollmer got her husband’s blessing to use the wagon and team one Sunday and enlisted Streator’s help.

“They went out — crossing even a river to get out to the place where the rocks were,” said Father Warsnak.

Some young men helped them pile the rocks onto the wagon, and the women hauled the first load back to the parish.

“The story goes that Father [Berthold], upon seeing that, reported it to the parish the next week, and then the men of the parish — out of shame — realized, ‘Well, we’d better get to work,’” said Father Warsnak. “And so then the rocks starting coming in.”

On Sept. 15, 1912, Bishop John Ward dedicated the finished building.

And on Sept. 16, 2012, the parish celebrated its past, present and future with everything from old-fashioned sack races and buggy rides all the way to big, bright bouncy houses.

Parishioner Sharon Bechtel — dressed head-to-toe as a founding parishioner — gave a lively account of the church’s colorful beginning.

A procession then followed the horse and buggy to the side of the church for the reenactment.

“We saw in our reenactment that then

The Anglican Patrimony and the New Evangelization Anglican Use Society Annual Conference

To Register Visit: http://anglicanuseconference.com/reg2012.htm Solemn Evensong with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament Thursday, November 8, 6:30 p.m. St. Therese Little Flower Church Solemn High Mass according to the Anglican Use of the Roman Rite Friday, November 9, 5:00 p.m. St. Therese Little Flower Church Celebrant: His Excellency Bishop Robert W. Finn - Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Homilist: Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson – Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter Hosted by the Anglican Use Community at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church LEAVEN PHOTO BY ELAINA COCHRAN

Father Rich Warsnak, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, challenges parishioner Katie Dold to an old-fashioned ring race, in which players must keep their rings upright. Sacred Heart celebrated the centennial anniversary of its church building with a community-wide day of games that ranged from old-fashioned to modern.

— probably as now — it took the ladies to get things moving,” joked Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

‘It’s just home’ The archbishop renewed the dedication and blessed the church, touching on the “countless” sacraments that have been celebrated there.

That hit home with Roger and Nancy Wells, parishioners since 1978.

“I joined the church here,” said Roger.

There, one of their children was baptized, three daughters were married, and now they’ve celebrated grandchildren’s baptisms.

“A lot of our life revolves around this church,” said Roger.

Churches inspire people to glorify God, said Archbishop Naumann.

“They are also a reminder to us of our own identity — that you and I are these living stones. Or as the Scriptures tell us in other places, that we’re living temples of God.

KERNEL OF TRUTH I’ve always been a fan of Will Rogers and can recognize his quips almost anywhere.

Who else would have said, “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.” Or “There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the entire government working for you.”

To the trained ear, it is often just as clear who wrote the Gospel we hear read at Mass on any given Sunday. This Sunday, for example, we’re going to hear from Mark, who

“And each one of us in God’s eyes is as precious as any cathedral.”

Dorothy Wellnitz’s great-grandparents operated the Korte farm where the rocks for the church were quarried, and she grew up hearing stories of the church’s construction.

Her brother, Donald Korte, views this church as something that binds everyone together.

“It’s the place where we come to worship Our Lord,” Korte said. “It’s just a focal point in our lives.”

“It’s just home,” said Wellnitz.

Strong ties The celebration drew distinguished guests, including priests who have called Emporia home.

Among them were former Sacred Heart pastor Father Robert Weakley, OFM; Father Francis Wendling, OFM, who served at the parish; Father Peter O’Sullivan, former pastor of St. Catherine

is believed to have written his Gospel first — probably some 30-40 years after Christ’s death.

Although their names are just as familiar to us, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were not apostles. In fact, they never knew the flesh-and-blood Jesus.

Instead, they recorded the Jesus narratives, or stories, that they collected at different times, and each writer’s Gospel reveals a lot about their own life and perspective.

To confuse things even further, the Gospel of Matthew was probably not written by a single man named Matthew.

Instead of being the Gospel by Matthew, as you might

Parish in Emporia and current pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka; Father Jerry Volz, now pastor of St. Matthew Church in Topeka and former director/ chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia; and Father Ray May, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Hartford and chaplain/director of the Didde center.

The centennial invitation reached far beyond the Catholic community.

“Sacred Heart has been part of Emporia since 1874 and the church has been a testimony of Jesus Christ from when it was built,” said Father Warsnak. “We want to make sure that everyone here in town knows about it and hopefully through it can get to know Jesus better.”

Although Gast wore clothing from the past, her sights were set on the future.

With her 10-year-old granddaughter Payten Redeker at her side, she was filled with hope seeing the huge crowd.

“I hope it means that they will continue in the traditions of the church and keep it active and vibrant,” Gast said.

assume, it is actually the Gospel “according to” Matthew.

That means that this Gospel is drawn from the Matthew tradition.

But let’s keep it simple for now. Just listen carefully to the Gospel this Sunday. With Mark, it’s just the facts, ma’am — no long lists of who descended from whom, or talk about vines and branches or the bread of life.

When you get home, and without reference to the passage, write down what Mark had to say. Now put it in a safe place. You’ll need it next week.

— A.M.

Sunday Mass according to the Anglican Use of the Roman Rite Every Sunday at 11:15 a.m.

Dr. Bruce Prince-Joseph: Music Director Rev. Fr. Ernest P. Davis, Pastoral Administrator 816-444-5406

Please Join Us for the Monthly Blue Army Rosary Rally Devotions In Honor of Our Lady of Fatima Future Rallies will be held on the following Sunday’s beginning at 3 p.m.

Why Pray the Holy Rosary?

• October 14th: St. Andrews Parish, 6415 NE Antioch, Gladstone, MO 64119

three who witnessed the apparition of our Blessed Mother

• November 11th: Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 2552 Gillham Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108

“The Most Holy Virgin, in these last of times in which we

In late 1957, Sister Lucia, the one surviving child of the at Fatima in 1917 said the following:

live, has given a new efficacy to the praying of the Holy Rosary to such an extent that there is no problem, no mat-

• December 16th: Christ the King Parish, 8510 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114

ter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual in the personal life of each one of us, of our families . . . . that cannot be solved by the Holy Rosary”.

Each rally lasts approximately 1 hour and includes • Praying the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries.

• Benediction • Opportunity to enroll in the Brown Scapular

“There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. With the Holy Rosary, we will save ourselves; we will sanctify ourselves; we will console our Lord and obtain the salvation of many souls”

All are welcome, even if you do not know how (or have forgotten how) to pray the Holy Rosary—that most powerful prayer for world peace and personal intercession.

Join Us to Practice and Spread this Most Powerful Devotion to our Blessed Mother, Our Lord and for peace in the world and the salvation of souls

WARNING SIGNS YOUR MARRIAGE NEEDS A TUNE-UP 1. Spinning your wheels. Revisiting the same argument repeatedly, no resolution on recurring issues. You think to yourself: “Here we go again . . . the same argument!”

2. Avoidance. Unwillingness to engage in discussion about important issues, reluctance to deal with issues directly. Can also involve physical distancing and emotional detachment from spouse. “Two ships passing in the night.”

Facilitator Kathy Calvert, left, meets with program manager Christina Sell to plan workshops across the archdiocese. Since its inception in 2007, Marriage for Keeps has helped more than 800 couples.

Tune up your marriage

3. Trivial detonators. Overreacting to or being easily upset by minor issues that trigger an eruption. Small things are blown out of proportion and cause intense emotional reactions. Walking on eggshells.

4. Keeping score. Keeping account of slights and disappointments and bringing them up later during arguments.

Dredging up past hurts to use against your spouse.

— Adapted from the Prevention and Relationship Education Program

Facilitator Kathy Calvert presents the night’s topic to couples gathered for a Marriage for Keeps workshop.

The MFK program helps spouses accept each other and understand their differences so they can meet each other’s needs.

Marriage for Keeps program helps couples make their marriage work

“U

Open to all

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHEILA MYERS

ntil death do us part.”

Anyone married in the Catholic Church recognizes those words. Catholic marriage is marriage for keeps.

But that’s easier said than done.

Kathy and Len Nichol, parishioners of St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence, have been married 16 years and have three children. Their marriage was fine but, like many couples past the honeymoon stage, they wanted to improve communication.

They registered for Marriage for Keeps, a marriage education program offered through Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. They saw the class as maintenance for their marriage.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I thought as long as we just get a little better, that would be a positive thing, and a step in the right direction,” said Len. The free course — consisting of a marital assessment, six two-hour workshops and an online survey — provided the couple with communication tools they now use to solve issues that crop up in their relationship — issues like disciplining their children.

“We learned new ways of talking to each other that disarms whatever situation is going on,” Kathy said.

Marriage takes work Catholic Charities began offering Marriage for Keeps (MFK) in 2006 as part of a broader campaign to promote awareness

MORE ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR KEEPS The next MFK workshop will be Nov. 13 – Dec. 18 at St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

To sign up for a workshop in English or Spanish, learn about upcoming events and read more about the benefits of marriage, visit the website at: www. kansasloveletters.com.

of the importance of marriage and its benefit to society.

“Children raised by parents in a committed and loving relationship will be happier, more secure, less likely to drop out of school and fall prey to risky activities,” said MFK regional director Christina Sell.

“They’ll have a better idea of what marriage is and they’ll see that as an attainable goal in their life.”

But today’s society doesn’t encourage long-term, committed relationships.

“It’s very countercultural,” Sell said.

“We want instant gratification, instant reciprocity. We want everything to go fine all the time.”

Couples soon discover that “fine all the time” is not at all how marriage works in real life. But that doesn’t mean the marriage has to fail. Maintaining a marriage takes work. It requires a commitment from both spouses. It requires good communication.

That’s where Marriage for Keeps can help.

“

I think most couples want to make their marriage work, but they don’t know how to do it. Classes like this can help give you the skills to communicate effectively, safely and to problem solve.”

Kathy Calvert, Marriage For Keeps facilitator

Rachel and Stan Walker of Kansas City, Kan., have been married for 16 years. They said techniques learned in their MFK workshops helped improve communication in their marriage.

What to expect “I think most couples want to make their marriage work, but they don’t know how to do it,” said Kathy Calvert. Kathy and her husband Chris, parishioners of Curé of Ars Church in Leawood, are trained MFK facilitators. “Classes like this can help give you the skills to communicate effectively, safely and to problem solve.”

Kathy is a social worker specializing in couples therapy. Chris is a banker. The Prairie Village couple has been married 27 years and understands the challenges married couples face.

In addition to completing an initial assessment by a family support specialist and taking an online survey, couples attend a six-week, two-hour workshop. That may seem like a big commitment, but it’s a component couples enjoy.

“They say date night is important,” said Kathy Nichol. “This class is two hours.

That’s two hours we were conversing, and not necessarily about the kids. It was about us.”

The workshops follow a curriculum called PREP (Prevention and Relationship Education Program), designed by Drs. Howard Markman and Scott Stanley from

the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver. Markman and Stanley are considered the gurus of marriage and relationship education.

Each workshop begins with dinner, which provides couples the opportunity to socialize and bond. After dinner, the facilitators explain the week’s communication lesson to the group. Couples then break off to complete exercises that reinforce that week’s lesson.

The workshop wraps up with a group discussion to share observations and ask questions. Couples are encouraged to practice what they learned during the week.

Kathy and Chris Calvert, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood have facilitated Marriage for Keeps workshops for three years. The couple has been married for 27 years and have three children.

Universal issues During the group discussion, couples discover that their issues are not unique.

“The class gives couples a perspective on universal problems,” said Kathy Calvert. “It becomes much clearer when you see other people talking about the same things, things every couple has to work through.”

These universal problems stem from the fact that men and women are wired differently and communicate differently.

For example, women want men to validate their feelings; men want to feel appreciated.

“If you go by the golden rule — do unto

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others as you would have them do unto you — you’re missing the boat,” Kathy said. “What I want from you is different than what you want from me.”

Workshop participants are racially diverse and come from all cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. They have been married just a few months or many years.

The program is open to married couples of all faiths, not just Catholics, but Sell believes Catholics should be at the forefront.

“Everybody equates Catholicism with enduring marriages and the sacramentality of marriage,” she said. “We’re probably in the best position to provide this to our community.”

Although 75 percent of the couples that take the class are Catholic, MFK has no spiritual component, a restriction of the federal grant that funds the program.

Rachel and Stan Walker are Baptists.

The Kansas City, Kan., couple took the class last spring to work on communication issues they have experienced throughout their 16 years of marriage. They appreciated learning communication tools to help resolve their arguments and have recommended the class to several married friends.

“I think so many people can benefit,” Stan said. “Think about it. Marriage is the foundation of our society. When that breaks down, you can expect society to break down.”

Yes, marriage is difficult, but few things in life are as rewarding as a long-term, committed relationship grounded in faith and love.

“It’s hard for all of us,” Kathy Calvert said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or help. It’s the best thing you can do for your marriage, your family. Do whatever it takes to make that marriage work. It can work.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Business manager – Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., is looking for a business manager. Business or accounting degree preferred. Accounting and QuickBooks experience necessary. Pay commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits. Send resume to Father Michael Hermes at: frhermes@wardhigh.org.

Human Resources specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a position to support the human resources department in a variety of areas. Duties include: processing payroll; coordinating recruiting efforts; assisting foreign religious with immigration applications; and assisting with the performance management process. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have strong communication skills, both written and verbal; demonstrated attention to detail; experience with online technology and communication; and strong mathematical aptitude. Bachelor’s degree in human resources, or related field, or significant human resources experience required. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by Oct. 5 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: kthomas@ archkck.org.

RN case manager - FT; 1-2 yrs. exp. recent acute care & home care; one yr Hospice care exp., 3 yrs preferred; competitive benefit package; complete application at: catholiccharitiesks.iapplicants.com/application.php.

Carpet cleaning technician - Love interacting with people and being part of a team? Have a passion to serve others and enjoy the benefits of some physical work? Then join one of the most respected, progressive service companies in Kansas City. Make top industry pay and be appreciated for a job well done. Bock’s Steam Star is accepting applications for two positions. $10 $40K. Call (913) 438-7767 or visit the website at: www. steamstar.net.

Preschool teachers - The Goddard School, located at 21820 W. 115th Terr. in Olathe, is looking to add qualified lead teachers, assistant teachers and substitute teachers to our wonderful staff. In our warm, loving atmosphere caring teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years.

Candidates should be prepared to plan and facilitate lessons and communicate effectively with children, families, co-workers and administrators. Both full- and part-time positions are available. Lead teachers should have a degree in early childhood education or a related field, or a CDA. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please forward your resume via email to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com. Owners are parishioners of Church of the Ascension.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john. mahon@kofc.org.

SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.bankruptcylaw inkansascity.com.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)2715055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www. koatindustries.com.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com.

Lawn mowing Free estimates; references Insured, licensed and bonded Local parishioner Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

REPAIR your LAWN from a hard summer.

Get ready for Fall with Aeration or Verticutting and Over Seeding.

Now offering Irrigation Install and Maintenance.

Call John @ 913-825-4353 or visit www.foleyslawncare.com St. Joseph Parishioner Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time.

References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years.

Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Housecleaning - Prairie Village area. Reasonable rates.

References available. Call (913) 677-7042.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Affordable cabinetry - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for all your custom cabinetry and furniture needs. Competitive rates; references available. Serving the KC Metro area. Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956. Visit the website at: www. dennisbilt.com.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Sprinkler System Fall Special!!

Aftin Lawn and Landscape, Olathe 25% down. Rest over 12 months!!

Free Estimates/Insured/Refs Local Parishioners (913) 620-6063 Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience.

Call (913) 227-4902.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524.

Decks by Jake - Power washing, wood preserving and staining. References available. Call Jake at (913) 9096058. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed.

Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel!

Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Fire and water damage restoration - Water- damaged sheetrock removed and replaced, painting, tile, mold treatment, and lead safe certified textured ceilings repaired; insurance claims welcome; fully insured. Serving Kansas City for 22 years. Call Jerry at (913) 631-5241.

CAREGIVING CNA – Would you like to keep your senior loved one in the comfort of their own home? Those who bring sunsine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Compassionate, nurturing, attentive home health care professional provides quality service and personal assistance or over 20 years. Available anytime.

Live-in optional. Non-smoker. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Retired nurse - With 20-plus years of caregiving experience is seeking to care for an individual and their home on a full-time basis. Will consider live-in. Will also consider day work. I will provide caregiving, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, errands, etc. My goal is to keep your loved one in their home. Reasonable rates (will negotiate salary) and excellent references. Willing to relocate. Call (913) 579-5276.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefits ofhome.com.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? - Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

Comfort CareKC.com.

REAL ESTATE Investors - Why play the stock market? Become a passive real estate investor. If you want to discuss the possibility of investing in real estate that produces positive income with a seasoned investor, call (913) 980-3559.

Franklin County - Newly remodeled 4 BR home on 130 acres with a six-stall horse barn and much wildlife. All hard-surface road, short distance south of Overland Park. Call Galyardt Realty at (785) 550-0977.

Lake of the Ozarks - Roach, Mo. - Little Niangua 94’ lake front, dock, level lot, 3 BR, 2 BA, partial bsmt., private well, private septic, carport. For sale by owner, $249,000. 1886 Big Island Dr. Call (913) 432-1309 or (913) 226-8416.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation.

Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236.

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | THELEAVEN.COM

FOR RENT

September

Furnished apartment for rent - Furnished apartment near I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway. Will negotiate price. Call (913) 579-5276.

House for rent - 3 blks from Ascension (OP), 4 BD, 3 full/2 half BA, finished basement, master bedroom, with jacuzzi & sitting room, lawn main., granite, eat-in kitchen, 12842 Wedd; $2000; (913) 451-2322. More info at: https://sites.google.com/site/janesak/home.

Charming rental - 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA home with a roomy dine-in kitchen, family room with gas fireplace, two-car garage and a full unfinished basement. No lawn mowing; no snow shoveling. 12470 Charlotte, Kansas City, Mo. For information or a tour, call (913) 707-4826 or (913) 485-8442.

Branson condo nightly rental - 2 king BRs, 2 BA; sleeps 6. Sunporch overlooks public golf course. Walk-in level (no steps), flat screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchen.

Near the Hwy. 76 strip. No smoking; no pets. Members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park. Call (913) 851-8886.

For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Near Nieman and Johnson Dr. $520/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. Nonsmokers only. For a virtual tour, visit the website at: www. shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596.

CHILD CARE Child Care – Holy Trinity mom has opening for 15-month-old or older, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Tracie at (913) 909-7927.

VACATION Vacation Condo for Rent Marco Island, FL South Seas Club – Gated Community 2 BD, 2 BA, perfect weather Contact Bret at (816) 679-7898 Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps 6. Close to lakes and entertainment.

Furnished, pool, hot tub and tennis courts. Nightly and weekly rates. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $75/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

WANTED TO BUY Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wrist watches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Old Jayhawk statues - Collector seeking old University of Kansas Jayhawk statues. Iron and ceramic. Call Bud at (785) 344-1178.

BUYING A CLASSIFIED AD Cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less $1.50 each additional line email: adv@theleaven.com Phone: (913) 647-0327

The St. Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary will host a fall bazaar from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the lower level of St. Joseph Medical Center atrium, 1000 Carondelet Dr., Kansas City, Mo.

28

The yearly Catholic charismatic retreat will be Sept. 29 and 30 at the Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. It begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The retreat resumes at 9 a.m. on Sunday and ends with a noon Mass. Deacon Don Poole is retreat director. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

29

The Curé of Ars Singles will host a harvest moon dance from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. on Sept.

29 in the school cafeteria, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost is $15 at the door and includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages. For information, call (913) 631-6873.

Good Shepherd Parish, 12800 W. 75th, Shawnee, will host a fall festival on Sept.

29. The carnival will be from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Mass at 5 p.m. celebrates the 25th anniversary of the twinning with El Buen Pastor in El Salvador. The dinner is $5 per person, or $20 per family.

A production of C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” will be offered at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $39, $49 and $59. A limited number of premium seats are available for $89, and student seats are $25. For groups of 10 or more, call (866) 476-8707. To purchase tickets, go to the website at: www.ScrewtapeonStage. com; call (816) 994-7222; or visit the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

The gospel choir of Our Lady & St. Rose will present its annual gospel concert, “Give Yourself Continually to Prayer and the Ministry of the Word,” at 3 p.m. on Sept. 30 at Our Lady & St. Rose Church, 8th & Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, Kan. For information, call (913) 321-1958.

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October 1

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 14201 Nall Ave., Leawood, will sponsor a Light Weigh Bible study and weight loss program for 12

CALENDAR 13 weeks on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 1 in Father Porter Hall. Preview the program at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 or 26. Enter from the east parking lot. For information, go to the website at: www.lightweigh.com, or contact Christi White at (913) 322-6097 or by email at: christiwhite@christiwhite. com.

Coping With Grief meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mondays — Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 — at Good Shepherd Parish, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee. For information or to register, contact Penny at (913) 563-5304 or by email at: pvolmer@goodshepherdshawnee.org.

A 12-week free series with education and support for women dealing with addictions and domestic violence will be held from 10 a.m.

- noon on Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 2 at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The facilitators are Riley Lockridge and Hattie King. The series is presented in partnership with Friends of Yates and Joyce Williams Shelter. To register, call (913) 906-8990.

2

The Daughters of Isabella, Delphine Circle No. 159, will gather at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meeting at 7 p.m., on Oct. 2 at Vicki Crine’s residence at 1634 S. 49th St., Kansas City, Kan. An ecumenical Christian Taize prayer will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Ross Chapel in the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth.

For information, call (913) 758-6572, or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

4

The Foundation Board of the Leavenworth regional Catholic schools will host the Foundation 5K Family Fun Walk on the University of St. Mary campus on Oct. 6. Meet at the circle drive at 7:30 a.m. for registration. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. To obtain a pledge and registration walk form, go to the website at: www. foundation.leavenworthcatholicschools.org.

You don’t need to submit a pledge form to participate. The cost is $25 per participant or $45 per family. A light breakfast will be offered to paid participants.

6

The Friends of Alexandra’s House will host its Bow Ties for Babies gala dinner and silent auction at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The event will benefit the perinatal hospice services provided by Alexandra’s House. The cost is $150 per person. Formal or business attire is required. For information or reservations, visit the website at: www.bowtiesfor babies.com, or call (816) 931-5378.

The retreat, “Anger, Conflict and Forgiveness,” will be offered from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 by Sister Marie Ballmann, OSB, at the Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison.

The fee is $50. For information or to register, go to the website at: www.mountosb. org/sophia.html, or call (913) 360-6151.

The Altar & Rosary Society of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) Parish, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo., will host a living rosary on Oct. 7 at the grotto, followed by a rosary balloon launch at 12:30p.m. Sign up to participate on the website at: redemptoristars1@yahoo.com.

St. Theresa Parish, Perry, will host a fall bazaar on Oct. 7. A turkey and ham dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

Meals are $8 for adults; $4 for children. Carryout dinners are available. There will be games and activities.

St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will host a soup supper and auction on Oct. 7. The dinner will be from 4-7 p.m., and the auction at 8 p.m.

Cost of the dinner is a freewill donation.

7

St. Francis Xavier Church, 3rd and James, Mayetta, will hold a parish bazaar on Oct. 7. A roast pork and turkey dinner will be served from 3 - 6 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children. There will be activities and games from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

High school-age men interested in learning more about the priesthood are invited to pray and have dinner with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and other priests as part of Project Andrew. Choose one of two opportunities, from 4-7 p.m., on either Oct. 7 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., or Oct. 14 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, 3601 S.W. 17th, Topeka. Project Andrew is free and low stress. Register online at: kckvocations.com or vocation@archkck.org.

There will be a fall festival on Oct. 7 at St. Joseph School, 307 Iowa St., Olpe. The dinner and games will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Raffle tickets may be purchased from any student, at the Chicken House in Olpe, or on the day of the festival. Dinner tickets cost $8 for adults; $3 for children age 10 and younger. Carryout meals are available. Dinner tickets may be purchased at the door.

There will be an Oktoberfest from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Divine Mercy Parish center, 122 W. Warren St., Gardner.

There will be an auction and games. Dinner tickets are: $8 for adults and teens; $4 for children ages four to 12; and free for ages 3 and younger.

Holy Family Parish, Summerfield, will host a fall bazaar on Oct. 7. A turkey dinner will be served from 4:30 - 8 p.m. The cost is $9 for adults; $4 for children age 11 and younger.

St. Boniface Parish, Scipio, will host a fall bazaar on Oct. 7. A roast beef dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 5 -10; and free for children age 4 and younger. Carryout dinners are $10.

The Serra Clubs of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will host a priests appreciation lunch at noon on Oct. 10 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan.

10

The retreat, “Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton: Writing Yourself into the Book of Life,” will be offered from 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 to noon on Oct. 14 by Sisters Sheila Carroll and Gabrielle Kocour at the Sophia Center, 751 S. Eighth St., Atchison.

The fee is $180. For information or to register, visit the website at: www.mountosb. org/sophia.html, or call (913) 360-6151.

12

All women are invited to the Day of Boundless Joy, beginning 9 a.m. on Oct. 13 at Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kan. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The cost is $45. To register or for information, go to Eventbrite. com or call Susan Draftz at (913) 647-6172.

13

The Junior League of Wyandotte & Johnson Counties will present the American Girl Fashion Show at 3 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 13, and at 1 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 14, at the Polsky Theater at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park.

Funds raised go to Catholic Charities’ emergency assistance centers. Tickets are $35.

To purchase tickets go to the website at: www.jlwjc.org, or call (913) 469-4445.

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women will sponsor training for new respite care volunteers from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at St. Joseph Health Education Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. To register or for information, call Pat Scheibel at (913) 897-6589.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host a turkey dinner and bazaar on Oct. 14. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Carryouts will be available until 3:30 p.m. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for children ages 3-12; and free for children ages 2 and younger.

14

14 COMMENTARY

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

MARK MY WORDS SCRIPTURE READINGS TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 30 TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Nm 11: 25-29 Ps 19: 8, 10, 12-14 Jas 5: 1-6; Mk 9: 39-43, 45, 47-48 Oct. 1 Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Jb 1: 6-22 Ps 17: 1-3, 6-7 Lk 9: 46-50 Oct. 2 The Holy Guardian Angels Jb 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23 Ps 88: 2-8 Mt 18: 1-5, 10 Oct. 3 Wednesday Jb 9: 1-12, 14-16 Ps 88: 10-15 Lk 9: 57-62 Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi Jb 19: 21-27 Ps 27: 7-9, 13-14 Lk 10: 1-12 Oct. 5 Friday Jb 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5 Ps 139: 1-3, 7-10, 13-14 Lk 10: 13-16 Oct. 6 Bruno, priest; Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, virgin Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Ps 119: 66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130 Lk 10: 17-24

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AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

It’s good to get a read on life

hy would anyone write a book about Guy Lombardo’s orchestra, Aerosmith, Maroon 5, or Moon Taxi? And why in the world would there be a whole week devoted to it?

Do you know what I’m talking about? From Sept. 30Oct. 6, people are supposed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Band Books Week. By now, you should be shaking your head and saying, “That Father Mark is a dope. What’s being celebrated is Banned Books Week!”

If you can see the difference between “band” and “banned,” you’re more fortunate than some 32 million fellow Americans — about one in seven — who, according to a 2009 story in USA Today, would find it tough “to read anything more challenging than a children’s picture book or to understand a medication’s side effects listed on a

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. pill bottle.” But that, as well as the whole issue of censorship that Banned Books Week tackles, are issues for other people to debate and solve.

What I want to emphasize about Banned Books Week is its celebration of the freedom to read. We don’t often consider our literacy a blessing. In fact, even though we have this gift of being able to read, many don’t take advantage of it.

Perhaps some of that goes back to our days as students.

Learning to read is a skill that takes practice. And practice is often burdensome. Also, many of the textbooks we pored over were, shall we say, less than gripping.

We sometimes carry that bitter taste of “enforced” reading with us, long after we’ve

left the classroom. And that’s a shame, because reading can open up whole new worlds for us, can make us think, and even help us to dream. As adults, we forget that we can pick and choose what we want to read.

Although taught how to read, we didn’t necessarily learn the art of reading. A clear, concise, 123-page book on the topic that I go back to from time to time is called “The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life,” by Steve Leveen. Published in 2005 by Levenger Press, it had a very limited distribution and life, I suspect. (It is still available on amazon.com, however.) To me, the book did a neat job of illustrating its subtitle, “How to get more books in your life and more life from your books.”

In a nutshell, Leveen recommended making a list of books that you think you’d be interested in: by authors you may already know and like; about subjects you have an interest in (like learning more about the computer programs you already use); on issues you’d like to know more about (how to control anger or manage your time better); or ones that friends and family have

recommended or that others are buzzing about.

I’d like to suggest one other type of book for that list. In this Year of Faith, set a goal of reading one spiritual book a month. If you’re worried about not having enough time, try this simple trick. See how many pages the book has, and then divide that by the number of days in the month that you’ll be reading it.

Here’s an example: My October book is Jesuit Father Jim Martin’s “A Jesuit Off-Broadway: Behind the Scenes with Faith, Doubt, Forgiveness, and More.” It has 230 pages. That number, divided by 31 days, means that I need to read just eight pages a night to finish it.

Not so difficult, right? (And you can always read more than the minimum.)

Start October out with a good spiritual book. If you need suggestions, talk to your pastor or religious education director or browse Catholic publishers’ websites like: www.liguori.org, paulistpress. com, or catalog.fransciscan media.org.

And before you read, be sure to say a prayer for the persons who taught you how.

Forgetting them might get you “band” from heaven.

IN THE BEGINNING

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COMMENTARY 15

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | THELEAVEN.COM

We are all called to sanctify the world

hen someone is baptized, the priest or deacon anoints the newly baptized person with chrism and says, “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

Those words remind us that, as baptized Christians, we all share in his calling as priest, prophet and king.

Not all of us are called to the ordained priesthood. But all of us are called to sanctify the world by the holiness of

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. our lives. Not all of us exercise leadership in the church.

Some need to be followers.

But all of us are called to help establish the kingdom of Christ, by living according to his law of love.

Not all of us are called to speak on behalf of Christ. But all of us are called to witness to his teachings, at least by example. In that way, we reflect the prophetic nature of the church. By our lives, we can challenge the values of

this world, as did the prophets of old.

“Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!

Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit upon them all!”

These words from Sunday’s first reading — Nm 11: 25-29 — reflect Moses’ wish that God’s grace not be limited to a select few. Moses had complained to God about his heavy responsibilities in leading the people.

In response, God instructs Moses to choose 70 elders to assist him: “I will also take some of the spirit that is on you and will bestow it on them, that they may share the burden of the people with you. You will not have to bear it by yourself” (Nm 11: 17).

When the spirit descends on the 70 elders, they react by prophesying: “As the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.” They speak out

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC I remember clearly the first big test that I flunked. I was a fourth-grader, and it was traumatic.

It was even harder coming home and telling my folks that I’d failed . . . my eye test . . . and needed glasses!

I was so upset about it that my mom told the eye doctor that it would be a chore to get me to wear glasses. He told her not to worry. He was right. I had no idea what I was missing because of my

in an inspired manner, as though they are no longer in control of their bodies, but completely guided by God. But this prophesying does not last long. Moses is the prophet, the one who speaks to Israel on behalf of God. The 70 elders have received the spirit to enable them to help Moses in his duties. In that way, the elders will share in his prophetic ministry, even though they will no longer speak out as prophets.

Through baptism, all of us have received God’s spirit.

Moses’ wish has been fulfilled: “Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit upon them all!” Moses’ rebuke to Joshua for his elitism has resulted in a kind of spiritual egalitarianism. God’s generosity has overflowed into abundant grace for all. But this grace has a purpose: to equip us for that mission entrusted to us by God.

nearsightedness. The biggest problem my folks had with those glasses from day one was getting me to take them off.

Sight is a wonderful gift. This week, hunt around your home for old pairs of eyeglasses. Take them to the nearest optometrist to donate to the Lions Club, whose vision programs provide some five million pairs of glasses annually to people here and abroad. See to it that someone soon gets a whole new outlook on life.

— M.G.

‘Second degree’ music is important to our worship experience

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o sing or not to sing, that is the question.

Not really, because we’ve already established that music and the sacred liturgy go hand in hand, that music is called for in the celebration of the Mass.

Previously, we looked at the dialogues between the priest (or deacon) and the congregation, as well as certain prayers of the Mass, as being the foundational music of the Mass, according to the 1967 document “Musicam Sacram” (“Sacred Music”) issued by the Holy See. These various dialogues are of “first-degree” importance when it comes to

MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office. liturgical music.

Of “second-degree” importance according to “Musicam Sacram,” belong “(a) the Kyrie, Gloria and Agnus Dei; (b) the Creed; (c) the prayer of the faithful” (MS, No. 30).

These parts (with the exception of the prayer of the faith-

ful) we often refer to as the “ordinary” music of the Mass because their texts do not change, but remain the same week after week. The Sanctus is also part of the ordinary of the Mass, along with the memorial acclamation. Of course, rarely in the vernacular liturgies of the Roman Rite is the Creed sung.

What should we consider when looking at this particular degree of liturgical music?

First of all, these texts should ordinarily be sung by both the choir or/and the congregation. In practical terms, this means that the texts themselves (whether sung in the vernacular languages or Latin) should be sung just as they are given in the liturgical

books. Likewise, the number of different settings used by a given community should be fairly limited so that they will remain familiar to all.

Finally, the musical settings of these texts should be within the abilities of the particular community, and well-written, to stand the test of time.

As was pointed out earlier, the sung dialogues at Mass demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ, both head and members. The “ordinary” acclamations of the liturgy demonstrate our need, as members of his body, to offer prayer to the Father, to acclaim God’s praise and invoke his mercy, and to profess together what we believe as Jesus’ disciples.

While on earth, Jesus prayed to his heavenly Father, offered him praise and called forth his mercy, and taught us the truths about the kingdom of God. In our liturgical singing, we make these actions of his present in our time, in his name, for our sake, and for God’s glory.

Again, many may be surprised that the church, in fact, considers the music used during the entrance procession, the procession of gifts, and the Communion procession to be of the last “degree” of importance. But this does not mean that they are not important.

Stay tuned.

CHURCH AND STATE

Abuse of power, disregard for common good: both harbingers of decline

A

growing corpus of declinist literature finds in the fall of the Roman Empire an analogy for our own times.

MICHAEL SCHUTTLOFFEL

Depending on the political hue of the commentator, American greatness is on the downslope because of “imperial overreach,” or economic exhaustion, or a loss of respect for republican principles — each symptoms of the disease that felled history’s most storied civilization.

Under-commented on, however, is the extent to which Americans themselves have taken on the traits of lit-

tle Roman emperors, seeing in the state not a political system for the promotion of the common good, but rather a spoils system for the satisfaction of their individual appetites. If indeed college students still throw toga parties, it is in some sense apropos, because that is the age when Ameri-

Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

cans now “don the toga” and begin demanding that others service their wants.

Nowhere is this Caligulaization of American society more evident than in the elevation of total sexual freedom to preeminence above all other rights. America’s founding documents are silent on the sexual license, yet the explicit guarantees of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are now trumped by free love.

The right to life — the first right cited in the Declaration of Independence, and the foundational right for all other rights — is trumped 1.2 million times each year by the right to enjoy consequence-free sex, even at the cost of your unborn child’s life.

The right to religious free-

dom — the first right guaranteed by the First Amendment, and the very foundational purpose of the American project — is now trumped by the right to have Catholic institutions pay for your contraceptives, even though this may result in the closure of Catholic hospitals, charities, schools, and businesses.

The right of every child to a mother and a father is now trumped by the right of adults to enjoy whatever sexual arrangement they please.

Millions of “green” Americans who insist on solar panels, electric cars, and all-natural artisanal cheeses harbor no similar concern over whether it is “natural” to encourage a generation of kids to be raised without mothers or without fathers by same-sex parents.

“Progress” these days is perhaps best symbolized by the fact that 43 years after Apollo 11, America does not have the capacity to put a man in space. But Americans each have smartphones with more computer power than Neil Armstrong’s spaceship.

Technological innovation, like our political culture, is now oriented toward immediate gratification of the individual above all else.

In our time, no less than imperial Rome, morally corrupt abuse of power is a harbinger of national decline. In America, though, power ultimately lies with the people. There is no debauched dictator to blame. We are all Caligulans now.

VOCATIONS CORNER

I

Adversity does not kill the church; apathy does

’ve had the privilege of traveling with our seminarians over the last few years: first to Spain for World Youth Day with Pope Benedict, and then, this summer, to New York and Quebec.

The purpose of these pilgrimages with the archbishop was to build fraternity and resolve among our seminarians, as we learned the history of our church and encountered great saints as new friends for the journey forward.

FATHER MITCHEL ZIMMERMAN Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

We were amazed and inspired by what we encountered. There are too many graces to number in a short article like this. Unexpected however, was the reaction we received wherever we went.

People were amazed by us!

Here we were, in every way ordinary guys from a some-

what unremarkable diocese in the middle of America. We were amazed by the glory and history of the church, by the faith that built these magnificent buildings, by things that boggle the imagination. Yet the local people were amazed, not by their history and buildings, but by us — by a group of young men still fighting for the faith.

We trod the very ground that the great saints of Europe and the first martyrs of North America once trod, and our faith felt so little and inadequate compared to what we were experiencing. Yet the reality today is that in Spain and in New France, as the New York and Quebec area was once called, the faith is struggling immensely, and

there are few vocations. The adversity that once forged great saints, a vibrant faith and new vocations, has given way to apathy. We stayed in seminary buildings that once housed hundreds of new vocations, buildings that now held less than 20. You can imagine our sadness at this.

It was beyond our comprehension that a church once so grand could ever fail to inspire new vocations, but what we found were that people were inspired instead by our seminarians, that there were men courageously following Jesus today and fighting for their faith. We went to have our faith strengthened, yet we were also a sign of hope to many.

Let us thank the faithful-

ness of Jesus who never fails to provide shepherds for his church. Let us pray that his mysterious church will continue to forge new and courageous vocations even as it refuses acquiesce to secularism or apathy. Let us pray that even the breakdown of the family and the scandals that have marred the priesthood will not deter the men today who feel called to be part of the solution.

As we have learned these last few years, adversity does not kill the church and vocations; apathy does. I am proud that our seminarians have not shrunk from the task at hand — a joyful calling given them personally by our Lord.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THELEAVEN.COM | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Do you have faith in your future?

IF NOT, ENROLL IN A SCHOOL WHERE SUCCESS IS GUARANTEED — THE SCHOOL OF FAITH.

T

he Holy Family School of Faith is offering 24 different sessions at 20 locations of an informative journey into a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, beginning at some parishes as soon as October. These sessions feature engaging lectures, lively discussions and an in-depth examination of the Catholic faith — all rooted in prayer.

Be a part of this unprecedented opportunity to embrace your faith at a whole new level.

N_f ZXe Xkk\e[6 Anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith — even non-Catholics.

N`cc @ Y\ XYc\ kf _Xe[c\ k_\j\ ZcXjj6 No grades, no tests — no problem! These noncredit courses are designed to be substantive but accessible, interesting but not intimidating. They’re good for adults, but work for teens, as well.

N_Xk `] k_\ ZcXjj\j Xi\ efk Y\`e^ f]]\i\[ Xk dp gXi`j_6 Again, no problem. Just locate the parish closest to you where the class is being offered and sign up for that location. ?fn dlZ_ n`cc `k Zfjk6 It’s a bargain, only $10 (normally $150).

The only required course book is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which you can purchase for $20 during online registration. (Every Catholic needs one anyway.) A recommended but not required School of Faith course book may be purchased for $25.

N_\e Xe[ n_\i\ Xi\ ZcXjj\j6 Classes begin this October and November. (See a list of parishes, times and dates at right.) The course will consist of 24 sessions for two years.

N_Xk `] @ d`jj X ZcXjj6 No problem. If you want to, you can pick that class up at another parish on a different day. ;f @ _Xm\ kf gi\i\^`jk\i6 Preregistration helps the planners, but walk-ins are welcome. ¶CXj ZcXj\j j\ `dgXik`iXe \e <jgX fc6 Si. Clases en Español comenzara en el otoño de 2013.

Jfle[j ^i\Xk ?fn [f @ j`^e lg6 You can register by going to the website at: www. archkck.org/schooloffaith; by email at: support@ schooloffaith.com; or by calling (913) 310-0014.

N_p [f\j k_\ :Xk_fc`Z :_liZ_ k\XZ_ k_Xk6 Have you ever been confused by some church teaching? Been unable to explain it to a child or friend?

Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live It

FIND A CLASS

Location Sacred Heart, Shawnee Nativity, Leawood Holy Trinity, Paola Mother Teresa, Topeka St. Joseph, Shawnee Curé of Ars, Leawood Our Lady of Unity/Sacred Heart, Kansas City, Kan. Christ the King, Topeka Holy Spirit, Overland Park Annunciation, Baldwin Holy Trinity, Lenexa St. Mary/St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kan. Prince of Peace, Olathe Most Pure Heart, Topeka Sacred Heart, Emporia St. Michael, Leawood St. Joseph, Atchison St. Ann, Prairie Village Ascension, Overland Park Sacred Heart, Sabetha

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Rituals nurture the family unit As the world expands into your living space through access to modern technology, your family unit becomes more precious.

It functions as a shelter to help family members — especially children — stay grounded and secure as they

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travel the information highway.

Establishing family rituals is a good way to nurture that unit and the sense of belonging it builds.

Rituals work best if they’re frequent, fun, flexible and consistent. A family ritual can be as simple as a monthly dinner out, or more unique — like a monthly midnight breakfast at an all-night diner.

According to Dr. John D. Friesen, a professor of family studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver,

Canada, family rituals help make changes manageable, facilitate the transmission of values and beliefs, and contribute to family identity.

Why not get your family together and brainstorm ideas for fun rituals that can keep your unit grounded and secure?

—J.R.E.